Is alteril (otc sleep aid) safe for the elderly?

I wouldn't take it: I bet there are two sides to the story. Some that would rave and others that would tread it with their feet. In your case, when the range of feedback is so conflicting and you cannot really have anyone responsible for whatever may happen to you, i would not experiment. There are so many other natural ways to induce sleep, although, they may not be as effective as prescription type drugs.